U.S. patent number 5,707,630 [Application Number 08/582,758] was granted by the patent office on 1998-01-13 for herbal compound for relief of pms through menopausal symptoms.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sabina International, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tim Morrow.
United States Patent |
5,707,630 |
Morrow |
January 13, 1998 |
Herbal compound for relief of PMS through menopausal symptoms
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an herbal compound which
aids in the relief of symptoms caused by female hormonal
imbalances. The herbal compound of the present invention preferably
comprises red raspberry, bayberry, blue cohosh, capsicum, cascara
sagrada, damiana, ginger, valerian and a binding agent. The ratio
of red raspberry to the other herbal constituents is preferably two
to one. The herbal compound preferably further comprises a binding
agent which comprises cellulose, to hold the herbal components
together, as well as vegetable powder, used as a food carrier so
that the herbal compound can be safely and effectively taken on an
empty stomach. The binding agent preferably also comprises
ingredients to allow the herbal compound to dissolve in the
stomach. In the preferred embodiment, the herbal compound and
binding agents are formed as a tablet, with the exterior surface
thereof coated with a food glaze.
Inventors: |
Morrow; Tim (Hawthorne,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Sabina International, Ltd.
(Aspen, CO)
|
Family
ID: |
24330421 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/582,758 |
Filed: |
January 4, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/733; 424/464;
514/899; 424/756 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K
36/73 (20130101); A61K 36/9068 (20130101); A61K
36/84 (20130101); A61K 36/72 (20130101); A61K
36/29 (20130101); A61K 36/81 (20130101); A61K
36/185 (20130101); A61K 36/185 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 36/29 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 36/72 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 36/73 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 36/81 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 36/84 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); A61K 36/9068 (20130101); A61K
2300/00 (20130101); Y10S 514/899 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61K 035/78 () |
Field of
Search: |
;424/195.1,464
;514/899 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Rebecca Flynn, Your Nutritional Guide to Standardized Herbal
Products, published by Banyan Press, pp. 10-11, 26-27. .
100 Healing Herbs, pp. 362-365. .
David L. Hoffman, Therapeutic Herbalism, A correspondence course in
Phytotherapy, pp. 5-39, 5-53-5-54, 5-92, 5-8, 5-17-5-19, 5-28-5-29,
5-27. .
CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, James A. Duke, Ph.D. author, CRC
Press, Inc., pp. 98-99, 108, 317-318, 350, 403 (1985). .
British Herbal Compendium, edited by Peter R. Bradley, British
Herbal Medicine Association, pp. 52-53, 71-72, 112-113 (vol. 1).
.
Terry Willard, The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal, pp. 60-64, 104-105
(1991). .
M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, Dover Publications, Inc., p. 249 (vol.
1). .
Alma R. Hutchens, et al., Indian Herbalogy of North America, p.
108. .
Anaesthesia, "Forum: Ginger Root--a new antiemetic", vol. 45, Issue
8, pp. 669-671 (Aug. 1990). .
Anaesthesia, "Ginger Root--a new antiemetic", vol. 45, Issue 12
(Dec. 1990). .
Safety Data Sheet for Herbs, for Berry Leaves. .
The Lawrence Review of Natural Products, Jun. 1986. .
The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, compiled by Francis J.
Brinker, p. 26 (2nd Ed., 1983). .
Nutrition Reviews, "Metabolism and Toxicity of Capsaicin", vol. 44,
No. 1, pp. 20-22 (Jan. 1986). .
Kooperation Phytopharmaka, Buro Bonn, der Verbande BAH, BPI, VHR
und Gesellschaft fur Phytotherapie. .
Daniel B. Mowrey, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, p.
58 (1986)..
|
Primary Examiner: Rollins; John W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Tager; Clifford L.
Claims
What I claim as my invention is:
1. An herbal composition comprising:
red raspberry;
bayberry;
blue cohosh;
capsicum;
cascara sagrada;
damiana;
ginger; and
valerian.
2. The herbal composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of red
raspberry to the ratio of the other herbal components is about two
to one.
3. The herbal composition of claim 1, said herbal composition
further comprising a binding agent.
4. The herbal composition of claim 3, wherein said binding agent
comprises cellulose.
5. The herbal composition of claim 3, wherein said binding agent
comprises vegetable powder.
6. The herbal composition of claim 3, wherein said binding agent
allows the herbal composition to dissolve in the stomach.
7. The herbal composition of claim 3, wherein said herbal
composition is formed in a predetermined shape having an exterior
surface, and wherein the exterior surface of said shape is coated
with a food glaze.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention is directed to an herbal compound. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to an herbal
compound which aids in the relief of symptoms caused by female
hormonal imbalances, such as those symptoms typically associated
with pre- and post-menstrual cycle and menopause.
2. Background Information
The female body, from the commencement of menstruation until the
termination of menopause, can experience wide fluctuations in
baseline hormonal levels. When such fluctuations cause an imbalance
in the hormonal composition, certain chemical reactions thereto
present as symptoms which include headaches, cramping, nausea,
inflammation, increased agitation, anxiety, tension, restlessness,
decreased digestive tract activity, depression, moodiness and
severe mood swings.
These symptoms, commonly referred to as PMS and/or menopausal
symptoms, can be relieved. For example, additional hormones can be
ingested to compensate for the specific hormones in which the body
is deficient. Alternatively, substances can be introduced which
offset and/or neutralize the chemical reactions which gave rise to
the symptoms.
Given the changing characteristics of the hormonal imbalance during
the menstrual cycle and/or menopause, as well as the variations in
the specific hormonal imbalance from person to person, it would be
advantageous to introduce a compound which adapts to meet the
specific needs of each person, both over time as well as from
person to person.
The human body is able to identify the chemical components in which
it is deficient. An interesting and important feature of herbal
interaction with the human body is the fact that the body will only
absorb from an herbal compound those chemical components in which
it is deficient. Those chemical components of the herbal compound
which are not needed simply pass through the body without undue
stress placed on the body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an herbal compound which aids
in the relief of symptoms caused by female hormonal imbalances. The
herbal compound of the present invention preferably comprises red
raspberry, bayberry, blue cohosh, capsicum, cascara sagrada,
damiana, ginger, valerian, and a binding agent.
The ratio of red raspberry to the other herbal constituents is
preferably two to one.
The herbal compound preferably further comprises a binding agent
which comprises cellulose, to hold the herbal components together,
as well as vegetable powder, used as a food carrier so that the
herbal compound can be safely and effectively taken on an empty
stomach. The binding agent preferably also comprises ingredients to
allow the herbal compound to dissolve in the stomach, rather than
in the intestine.
In the preferred embodiment, the herbal compound and binding agents
are formed as a tablet, with the exterior thereof coated with a
food glaze.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
A great deal of pharmaceutical research has gone into analyzing the
active ingredients of herbs to find out how and why they work. The
effect which an herb has is commonly referred to as the herb's
action. Herbal actions describe the ways in which the herb affects
human physiology. The actions which make herbs beneficial in
treating the human body include:
Adaptogenic: Adaptogenic herbs increase resistance and resilience
when faced with stress, and work by supporting the adrenal
glands.
Alternative: Herbs that gradually restore proper functioning of the
body, increasing health and vitality.
Anti-inflammatory: Herbs that soothe inflammations or reduce the
inflammatory response of the tissue directly.
Antimicrobial: Antimicrobials help the body destroy or resist
pathogenic (disease causing) microorganisms.
Antispasmodic: Antispasmodics ease cramps in smooth and skeletal
muscles. They alleviate muscular tension and can ease psychological
tension as well.
Astringent: Astringents have a binding action on mucous membranes,
skin and other tissue. They have the effect of reducing irritation
and inflammation, and creating a barrier against infection that is
helpful to wounds and burns.
Bitter: Herbs with a bitter taste have a special role in
preventative medicine. The taste triggers a sensory response in the
central nervous system leading to a range of responses, including
stimulating appetite and the flow of digestive juices, aiding the
liver's detoxification work, and increasing bile flow.
Carminative: Plants that are rich in aromatic volatile oils
stimulate the digestive system. They soothe the gut wall, reduce
inflammation, ease pain and help with the removal of gas from the
digestive tract.
Demulcent: Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage and soothe and
protect irritated or inflamed tissue. They reduce irritation down
the whole length of the bowel, reduce sensitivity to potentially
corrosive gastric acids, help prevent diarrhea, and reduce the
muscle spasms that cause colic.
Diuretic: Diuretics increase the production and elimination of
urine.
Emmenagogue: Emmenagogues stimulate menstrual flow and activity.
With most herbs, however, this term is used in the wider sense for
a remedy that effects the female reproductive system.
Hepatic: Hepatics tone and strengthen the liver, and in some cases
increase the flow of bile. In a broad holistic approach, they are
of great importance because of the fundamental role of the liver in
maintaining health by facilitating digestion and removing toxins
from the body.
Laxative: These are plants that promote bowel movement. They are
divided into those that work by providing bulk, those that
stimulate the production of bile in the liver and its release from
the gallbladder, and those that directly trigger peristalsis
(wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive
tract).
Nervine: Nervines help the nervous system and can be subdivided
into three groups. Nervine tonics strengthen and restore the
nervous system. Nervine relaxants ease anxiety and tension. Nervine
stimulants directly stimulate nerve activity.
Stimulating: Stimulants quicken and invigorate the physiological
and metabolic activity of the body.
Tonic: Tonics nurture and enliven, i.e., make vigorous or
active.
The above information was obtained from Alternative Medicine,
compiled by the Burton Goldberg Group and published by Future
Medicine Publishing (1993), incorporated herein by reference.
Information contained herein was also obtained from portions of the
following texts, all of which are incorporated herein by reference:
Therapeutic Herbalism, A correspondence course in Phytotherapy, by
David L. Hoffmann; CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, James A. Duke,
Ph.D. author, CRC Press, Inc. (1985); and British Herbal
Compendium, edited by Peter R. Bradley, British Herbal Medicine
Association (Vol. 1).
The present invention is directed to an herbal compound which aids
in the relief of symptoms caused by female hormonal imbalances.
In the preferred embodiment, the herbal compound of the present
invention comprises red raspberry, bayberry, blue cohosh, capsicum,
cascara sagrada, damiana, ginger, valerian and a binding agent.
Red raspberry (Rubus Occidentalis L.), part of the rosaceae family,
is adaptogenic, alterative, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, stimulant
and tonic. In the preferred embodiment, the root, leaves and fruit
are used. The physiological effects of red raspberry leaves are
reported to include use as a smooth muscle and uterine muscle
relaxant, as well as a virus inhibitor. Red raspberry contains
vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as iron, phosphorous, magnesium
and calcium.
Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica Loisel), part of the myricaceae
family, is an astringent, adaptogenic, alterative, circulatory
stimulant and tonic. In the preferred embodiment, the leaves, bark
and fruit are used. Bayberry acts to complement the other herbs,
and is used to stimulate the system to boost vitality and
resistance, and aids the process of digestion, blood-making and
nutrition. Bayberry contains a high level of vitamin C.
Blue cohosh (Caulophylum thalictroides), part of the berberidaceae
family, is a diuretic, emmenagogue, nervine, and uterine
anti-spasmodic. In the preferred embodiment, the root is used. Blue
cohosh is used to relieve the pain that accompanies menstruation by
easing uterine cramps, as well as menopausal pain, restlessness and
discomfort. Blue cohosh is also used to relieve irregular
menstruation, dull frontal headaches, as a nervine relaxant, as
well as to relieve vaginitis. Blue cohosh contains vitamins E and
B-complex, and calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.
Capsicum, also known as capsaicin (Capsicum minimum, Capsicum
annuum L.), part of the solanaceae family, is alterative,
stimulating and a tonic. In the preferred embodiment, the fruit is
used. Capsicum stimulates blood flow, promotes sound sleep and aids
in digestion. Capsicum, known as a "supreme and harmless internal
disinfectant", increases the power of the other herbs by acting as
a catalyst therefor, quickly carrying all other herbs to the part
of the body where needed most, thereby acting to increase their
effectiveness. Capsicum is high in vitamin A, B-complex, C, iron
and calcium, and also contains magnesium, phosphorus, sulfa and
potassium.
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus Caroliniana Walt, Rhamni purshiani
cortex), part of the rhamnaceae family, is alterative, bitter and a
tonic. In the preferred embodiment, the bark is used. Cascara
sagrada is rich in hormone-like oils and is used as a laxative to
alleviate chronic constipation. Cascara sagrada contains B-complex,
calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Damiana, also known as turnera (Turnera aphrodisiaca UrB), part of
the turneraceae family, is adaptogenic, alterative, mild laxative,
nervine and stimulant. In the preferred embodiment, the leaves are
used. Damiana is used for its tonic action on the central nervous
and hormonal system, to relieve anxiety, depression, headaches
during menstruation and exhaustion. Damiana also helps to balance
female hormone levels and control hot flashes.
Ginger (Asarum Canadense L., Zingiber officinale), part of the
zingiberaceae family, is antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic,
emmenagogue, rubefacient and stimulant. In the preferred
embodiment, the root is used. Ginger diminishes headaches, uterine
pain from any cause at the menstrual epoch and other general aches
and pains, stimulates peripheral circulation, aids in digestion,
and has anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects. Ginger contains
vitamins A, B-complex and C, and calcium, phosphorous, iron,
sodium, potassium and magnesium.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), part of the valerian family,
is an antispasmodic, calmative, emmenagogue and nerve tonic. In the
preferred embodiment, the root is used. Valerian is used for
nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, irritability and
intestinal cramps. Valerian acts as a sedative when agitation is
present as a stimulant when fatigue is present, is antibacterial
and liver-protective.
In the preferred embodiment, the herbs are grown outdoors. When
harvested, the herbs are preferably gassed to kill bugs and eggs,
and then air dried. Most importantly, only those herbs having
certificates of safety and purity from the growers, as recognized
by the U.S. Food and Drag Administration, are preferably used.
The above herbs are preferably pulverized and cold-compressed, and
used in the herbal compound of the present invention. The herbal
compound of the present invention was successfully produced by the
formula presented in Example 1, as follows:
EXAMPLE 1
______________________________________ Herbal Constituent Weight
(in milligrams) ______________________________________ red
raspberry 36 bayberry 18 blue cohosh 18 capsicum 18 cascara sagrada
18 damiana 18 ginger 18 valerian 18 total 162
______________________________________
The above herbal compound is preferably produced as a tablet for
easy intake. In the preferred embodiment, the herbal constituents
are formed in a tablet and bound together via a binding agent. The
binding agent was successfully produced by the formula presented in
Example 2, as follows:
EXAMPLE 2
______________________________________ Binding Agent Constituent
Weight (in milligrams) ______________________________________
cellulose 25.00 vegetable powder 9.52 duratex stearic acid 9.52
di-calcium phosphate (DCP) 6.80 silica 6.67 magnesium stearate 6.67
______________________________________
The binding agent preferably binds the pulverized herbal compound
together. Cellulose is preferably used to hold the compressed
tablet together, while vegetable powder is preferably used as a
food carrier so that the herbal compound can safely and effectively
be taken on an empty stomach. The other constituents of the binding
agent are preferably used to allow the tablet to dissolve in the
stomach, rather than in the intestine.
The tablet is preferably also coated with food glaze.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments. Various changes or modifications may
be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *